High-voltage circuit breaker, high-voltage power switchgear, and method for operating high-voltage circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker (1), comprising a vacuum switching tube (7) which is electrically connected to two high-voltage terminals and which is designed to establish an electrical connection in accordance with a mechanical switching actuation (8), for which purpose the vacuum switching tube (7) has a switching contact (10) which is movably arranged in a tube housing (9), characterized by a closing spring (15) which is arranged in the tube housing (9) and which is arranged in the tube housing (9), the invention relates to a switching device (1) comprising a switching contact (10), a closing spring (13) configured to transmit a mechanical switching operation (8) to the switching contact (10), a contact hold-down spring (13) configured to maintain a closing state of the switching contact (10), the closing state being occupied by the switching contact (10) after the switching operation (8) is transmitted to the switching contact (10), a spring energy store (26) configured to store the mechanical switching operation (8) on the switching contact (10), the spring energy store (26) is designed to be at least partially tensioned immediately before the switching contact (10) enters the closed state, and wherein the spring energy store (26) is designed to at least partially transmit the stored tensioning energy to the contact pressure spring (13) when the switching contact (10) enters the closed state. The invention also relates to a high-voltage power switching device (2) and a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker having at least two high-voltage terminals arranged at intervals from each other and a vacuum switch tube electrically connected to the two high-voltage terminals. The vacuum switch tube is configured to establish an electrical connection between the two high-voltage terminals according to a mechanical switching operation of a drive unit. For this purpose, the vacuum switch tube has a switch contact movably arranged in contact with the tube housing of the vacuum switch tube.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to high-voltage power switchgear having at least one corresponding high-voltage circuit breaker.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for operating a high-voltage circuit breaker having at least two high-voltage terminals arranged at intervals from each other, and having a vacuum switch tube electrically connected to the two high-voltage terminals, the vacuum switch tube being configured to establish an electrical connection between the two high-voltage terminals according to a mechanical switching operation of a drive unit, for which the vacuum switch tube has a switch contact movable within a tube housing of the vacuum switch tube. Background Technology

[0004] High-voltage circuit breakers are well-known in the existing technology and therefore require no separate documentation. In the standard sense, high voltage refers to an AC voltage with an effective value greater than 1000 volts, or a DC voltage with an effective value greater than 1500 volts. The definition of high voltage is also covered by relevant standards and is usually divided into two ranges: a first range, called medium voltage, with a voltage range of 1 kV to 52 kV (inclusive), and a second range covering voltages greater than 52 kV, which is called ultra-high voltage.

[0005] A circuit breaker is, in principle, an electrical switching device used, particularly in the field of power supply, to switch current in lines of a power supply network. Circuit breakers are typically designed to reliably switch normal rated current as well as small overload currents. Furthermore, in the event of a fault in the area supplied with power or in the electrical equipment connected to it, a circuit breaker can also switch extremely large overload currents, and even short-circuit currents, holding such current for a specified time and safely disconnecting it without suffering significant damage that would prevent the circuit breaker from continuing to function as intended. Circuit breakers are typically constructed for large switching circuits at low switching frequencies. Circuit breakers can be designed, for example, as single-pole or three-pole, depending on the application and the structure of the power supply network. Similar circuit breakers are also covered by standards, for example, through the IEC 62271 series of standards.

[0006] Especially in the field of ultra-high voltage, circuit breakers have a closed container with at least two spaced bushings for corresponding high-voltage terminals. These bushings allow the corresponding high-voltage lines to be connected to the high-voltage circuit breaker, and the circuit breaker controls the current flow between the connected high-voltage lines according to its switching state.

[0007] The container is typically made of a conductive material, such as metal, especially steel, and provides a cavity in which the high-voltage line is arranged, and the high-voltage line is electrically connected to at least two bushings. The high-voltage switch unit provides the actual switching function of the high-voltage circuit breaker and for this purpose typically has at least two electrical switch contacts. Depending on the switching state of the high-voltage circuit breaker, the switch contacts are mechanically and electrically connected to each other in the closed switching state, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the bushings, and in the second switching state, i.e., the open switching state, the electrical switch contacts are mechanically and electrically separated to block the flow of current.

[0008] In the prior art, insulating gas, namely SF6, is usually loaded into the high-voltage switch unit to achieve insulation strength, especially during the switching process, i.e. when changing between the closed and open states.

[0009] Outside the container or enclosure, the high-voltage circuit breaker has a drive unit for mechanically operating the high-voltage switching unit. The drive unit is mechanically connected to the high-voltage switching unit via a coupling mechanism, such that the switching operation of the drive unit can be transmitted to the high-voltage switching unit to achieve at least one of two switching states of the high-voltage switching unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the high-voltage circuit breaker preferably has a holding unit, which is mechanically connected to the container and can be connected to a horizontal support surface, such as a base, to fix the container in position or install it. The holding unit is typically arranged on the container side opposite the bushing. This means that when the high-voltage circuit breaker is operating as specified and correctly installed, the bushing is typically arranged vertically above the holding unit.

[0011] When closing a high-voltage circuit breaker with a vacuum switch tube as the circuit breaker unit, it is desirable to have a relatively fast closing speed so that the arc of the pre-discharge spark in the vacuum switch tube does not burn for too long.

[0012] Current high-voltage circuit breakers use spring-driven energy storage mechanisms, in which the closing spring is designed to tension both the opening spring and the contact spring. This results in a closing speed, which can be reduced by a flywheel on the tensioning shaft. The use of the flywheel, particularly the increased moment of inertia of the tensioning shaft, leads to a reduction in speed throughout the closing process of the high-voltage circuit breaker. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-voltage circuit breaker that has improved closing characteristics and an extended service life.

[0014] This objective is achieved by the high-voltage circuit breaker, high-voltage power switchgear, and method as described in the independent claims. Advantageous improvements are derived from the dependent claims.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker having:

[0016] - At least two high-voltage terminals arranged at intervals from each other, and

[0017] - A vacuum switch tube electrically connected to the two high-voltage terminals, the vacuum switch tube being configured to establish an electrical connection between the two high-voltage terminals based on a mechanical switching operation of the drive unit, for which the vacuum switch tube has switch contacts movably arranged within the tube housing of the vacuum switch tube.

[0018] The high-voltage circuit breaker also includes:

[0019] - A closing spring, which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit and the switch contacts, and is configured to transmit the mechanical switching operation of the drive unit to the switch contacts.

[0020] - A contact compression spring is mechanically coupled to a closing spring and configured to maintain the closed state of the switch contacts. The closed state is occupied by the switch contacts after the switch operation is transmitted to them.

[0021] - A spring energy storage device, mechanically coupled to the drive unit, and configured to be at least partially tensioned by the drive unit before the switch contacts enter the closed state, thereby storing tension energy, wherein...

[0022] - The spring energy storage device is configured such that when the switch contact enters the closed state, it transfers at least part of the stored tension energy to the contact compression spring, so as to maintain the closed state with the assistance of the contact compression spring.

[0023] This invention provides an improved high-voltage circuit breaker, particularly with improved closing characteristics. To achieve the closing of the high-voltage circuit breaker, the high-voltage circuit breaker according to the invention has a fast and efficient closing speed. By means of a spring energy storage device, i.e., a mechanical energy storage element, energy related to the closing process of the switch contacts can be absorbed or diverted before the switch contacts are about to form electrical contact, thereby at least partially slowing down or suppressing the operation of the switch contacts.

[0024] The high-voltage circuit breaker of this invention first achieves an efficient closing process, then enables operation of the switch contacts, and suppresses this process by temporarily storing at least part of the energy associated with the mechanical switching operation in a spring accumulator, i.e., an intermediate memory, just before or immediately before the electrical contact with the switch contacts. This slows down the electrical contact process, particularly during the contact between the switch contact and the mating contact, preventing excessive mechanical load on the switch contacts. By temporarily storing energy, especially tension energy, in the spring accumulator, the direct contact between the switch contact and the mating contact is at least slowed down or suppressed, preventing excessively violent collisions between them. This prevents damage to the switch contact or the mating switch contact. Similarly, the vacuum switch tube itself can be designed for a long service life, as excessively rapid impacts of the switch contacts can cause particles to detach and distribute within the vacuum chamber, potentially affecting the existing vacuum.

[0025] Using the high-voltage switch according to the invention, the speed at which the contacts or switch contacts collide inside the vacuum switch tube can be reduced to prevent damage to the switch contacts or the shedding of contact particles. This high-voltage circuit breaker achieves a closing characteristic curve in which the speed is significantly reduced just before the moving contact contacts the stationary contact. After contact is formed, the contact compression spring can be tensioned, which can be accomplished as quickly as possible.

[0026] Therefore, by using the proposed high-voltage circuit breaker, an efficient closing process can be achieved with a faster closing speed, while the electrical contact of the switch contacts used to establish electrical connections can be slowed down or suppressed, thereby minimizing or reducing the mechanical load on the switch contacts.

[0027] Another advantage of reducing the movement speed of the switch contacts and storing the relevant energy in the spring accumulator is that the stored energy can be reused, enabling energy recovery. A portion of the energy diverted or discharged during the switch contact process can then be used to further tension the contact spring, or to assist in the tensioning process. Thus, by taking measures to slow down electrical contact, in addition to reducing the mechanical load on the switch contacts, it is advantageous to again use the previously diverted energy temporarily stored in the spring accumulator to provide the stored energy back to the contact spring to maintain or preserve the closed state of the switch contacts.

[0028] The aforementioned advantages, especially the synergistic effects they bring, enable the development of high-voltage circuit breakers that are more efficient and have a longer service life. Consequently, they can achieve greater lifespan and more sustained operational performance.

[0029] For example, closing springs, contact springs, and spring accumulators can be metallic industrial components that can undergo sufficient elastic deformation in practical use. A feasible example of such mechanical springs is a helical spring.

[0030] The spring accumulator is a mechanical energy storage device that uses a spring (such as a helical spring, torsion spring, or spiral spring) to store tension energy and subsequently release it. Closing of vacuum switching tubes and, particularly, switch contacts, can be achieved, especially with the aid of a mechanical closing spring. Thus, a closing spring, driven and tensionable by a drive unit, is used to establish the closed or on state of the switch contacts and vacuum switching tube. The on state formed after operating the switch contacts can then be maintained until the opening process is performed again. To maintain or sustain the on state of the switch contacts and vacuum switching tube, a contact clamping spring is provided. As mentioned above, the tension energy stored in the spring accumulator can be used to tension or further tension the contact clamping spring to maintain the closed state.

[0031] The drive unit can be constructed as a mechanical drive unit, which in particular may have a drive shaft.

[0032] In one embodiment, the high-voltage circuit breaker has a switching rod that extends into the housing through a switching opening at a first axial end and is mechanically coupled to a movable switch contact. The switching rod is also mechanically coupled to a contact compression spring at a second end axially opposite the first end. The switching rod can be used to move the switch contacts, and in particular, to place the switch contacts in a corresponding switching state.

[0033] The switch lever can be made of a rigid material, for example. Therefore, the switch lever can at least partially be made of steel. Preferably, the first switch lever is arranged to be axially movable. However, it can also be arranged at least partially to be rotatable. This allows for the transfer of energy or force to the movable first switch contact.

[0034] For example, the switch lever can be a coupled linkage mechanism that includes a reversing transmission mechanism.

[0035] In one embodiment, the high-voltage circuit breaker has a tripping spring that can switch the switch contacts from a closed state to an open state, and wherein the tripping spring can be tensioned during the transmission of the switching operation to the switch contacts via the closing spring. Specifically, the tripping and closing springs are mechanically coupled to each other, such that during a switching operation, particularly a switching operation of the drive unit, the closing spring is actuated and the tripping spring is correspondingly tensioned. For the tripping process and therefore for the opening of the switch contacts, the thus tensioned tripping spring can be actuated to open the switch contacts again.

[0036] In one embodiment, the opening spring is mechanically coupled to the switching shaft of the drive unit, wherein the switching shaft is configured to transmit the operation of the closing spring to the opening spring for tensioning the opening spring. Through the switching shaft of the drive unit, at least the switching motion or operation resulting from the operation of the closing spring can be mechanically transmitted to the opening spring, allowing it to be tensioned accordingly. With the aid of the tensioned opening spring, the opening process for the vacuum switching tube and thus for the switching contacts can be performed as needed.

[0037] Switching shafts, especially mechanical components of drive units, are used to transmit mechanical motion and thus energy.

[0038] In one embodiment, the closing spring is mechanically coupled to the tensioning shaft of the drive unit, wherein the tensioning shaft is configured to tension the closing spring. The closing spring can be tensioned via the tensioning shaft (which may be a mechanical component of the drive unit). To transmit the switching operation to the switch contacts, the energy of the closing spring can be transmitted to the switch contacts via the tensioning shaft when the closing spring is operated or triggered.

[0039] For example, the tensioning shaft and the switching shaft can be mechanically coupled to each other.

[0040] In one embodiment, the tensioning shaft has at least one cam, wherein a spring accumulator is mechanically coupled to the cam via a lever element. The cam may be a rounded protrusion of the tensioning shaft, particularly a rod-shaped one. In other words, the tensioning shaft may be a camshaft. The tensioning shaft is rotatable about its own axis. This rotational motion can be converted into longitudinal motion by one or more cams mounted on the tensioning shaft. The mechanically coupled spring accumulator can be operated by the movement of the tensioning shaft, particularly the cam, thereby storing energy in the spring accumulator.

[0041] Lever elements can be, for example, rods, levers, or linkages. Lever mechanisms (which can be mechanical elements) enable the transfer of kinetic or operational energy from a cam or tension shaft to a spring accumulator.

[0042] In one embodiment, the spring accumulator is coupled to the cam in such a way that the spring of the spring accumulator can be tensioned just before the switch contacts are closed. Specifically, before the electrical contact of the switch contacts is achieved, the spring of the spring accumulator is tensioned by the movement of the cam on the tensioning shaft, thereby diverting energy during the operation of the switch contacts and temporarily storing it in the spring accumulator. This ensures that the electrical contact between the switch contacts and another electrical contact does not occur too quickly, thus preventing mechanical overload or damage to the switch contacts.

[0043] In one embodiment, the spring accumulator and cam are mechanically coupled such that when the switch contacts enter the closed state, the tensioned spring in the spring accumulator can be operated, thereby driving the tensioning shaft via the cam to tension the contact and compress the spring. Thus, when operating the switch contacts to establish the closed state, the cam can first be driven or operated, and subsequently the tensioning shaft can be driven or operated, to tension the spring in the spring accumulator. Then, to maintain the closed state, the energy stored in the spring in the spring accumulator is used to operate the cam and subsequently the tensioning shaft, thereby tensioning the contact and compressing the spring again. Thus, energy recovery can be used to help maintain or preserve the closed state of the switch contacts.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention relates to a high-voltage power switchgear having at least one high-voltage circuit breaker according to the foregoing aspects or advantageous modifications. Here, the high-voltage power switchgear or switchgear may have multiple of the aforementioned high-voltage circuit breakers.

[0045] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a high-voltage circuit breaker having at least two high-voltage terminals spaced apart from each other, and having a vacuum switch tube electrically connected to the two high-voltage terminals, the vacuum switch tube being configured to establish an electrical connection between the two high-voltage terminals according to a mechanical switching operation of a drive unit, wherein the vacuum switch tube has switch contacts movably arranged in a tube housing of the vacuum switch tube, wherein...

[0046] - The mechanical switching operation of the drive unit is transmitted to the switch contacts by operating the closing spring, which is mechanically coupled to the switch contacts.

[0047] - The closing spring is used to tighten the contact spring according to the mechanical switch operation.

[0048] - The closed state of the switch contacts is maintained by a contact compression spring. This closed state is occupied by the switch contacts after the switch operation is transmitted to them.

[0049] - Just before the switch contacts are about to close, the spring accumulator is at least partially tensioned, thereby storing tension energy in the spring accumulator, and

[0050] - When the switch contacts enter the closed state, the spring accumulator transfers at least part of the stored tension energy to the contact compression spring, thereby assisting the contact compression spring in maintaining the closed state of the switch contacts.

[0051] The proposed method enables more efficient operation of high-voltage circuit breakers. In particular, it enables rapid closing of high-voltage circuit breakers with a corresponding closing speed. Before the switch contacts make electrical contact, a portion of the energy associated with the mechanical switching operation can be diverted or temporarily stored, so that it can be subsequently used to tension the contact spring. This reduces the movement or speed of the switch contacts before they make electrical contact, thereby reducing the mechanical load on the switch contacts when they come into contact with the mating contacts. This diverted energy, temporarily stored by means of the spring accumulator, can then be advantageously used to tension the contact spring, and in particular, provides assistance in maintaining the closed state. This achieves energy recovery.

[0052] The proposed method can be implemented in conjunction with high-voltage circuit breakers according to the foregoing aspects or their advantageous modifications. Thus, the aforementioned high-voltage circuit breakers can be advantageously operated using the method described above.

[0053] In another embodiment, a tripping spring capable of switching the switch contacts from a closed state to an open state is specified, and the closing spring is tensioned according to the operation of the closed spring. In addition to closing the vacuum switch tube by means of the operation of the switch contacts, the closing spring, and especially the tripping spring, can also be tensioned simultaneously. Thus, closing can be achieved in one process, while simultaneously preparing for a possible subsequent tripping.

[0054] In one embodiment, the opening spring and the contact clamping spring are simultaneously tensioned according to the operated closing spring. Thus, during the operation or switching of the vacuum switch tube and the high-voltage circuit breaker, the tensioning of the opening spring and the contact clamping spring occurs simultaneously or synchronously within a single working process. Therefore, after the switch contacts reach the closed state, the closed state can be maintained or held by means of the contact clamping spring (which may be assisted by a spring accumulator). This can be maintained until the opening process is performed again. For this purpose, a tensioned opening spring can be used.

[0055] In another embodiment, the movement of the switch contact toward the immovable switch contact opposite it is partially suppressed by at least partially tensioning the spring accumulator just before the switch contact is closed. When the switch contact is operated, it moves toward the opposite electrical contact, which is its mating element, to establish electrical contact and thus an electrical connection. To prevent the contact between the two contacts from occurring too quickly, and especially to prevent unnecessary rapid collisions, a certain amount of energy is diverted or extracted during the contact process through the energy stored or tensioned in the spring accumulator, thereby achieving deceleration and thus braking, and preventing the switch contact from striking the opposite switch contact too quickly. This prevents excessive mechanical loads on the switch contact or other involved components and avoids damage to the switch contact.

[0056] An embodiment of one aspect can be regarded in particular as an advantageous embodiment of all other aspects, and vice versa.

[0057] For application situations or scenarios that may occur in this method but are not explicitly described herein, it may be stipulated that error messages and / or prompts for user feedback be output according to this method, and / or standard settings and / or predetermined initial states be set.

[0058] An advantageous embodiment in one aspect should be regarded as an advantageous embodiment in all other aspects. The reverse is also true.

[0059] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, it includes characteristics that have masculine, feminine, or other gender identities.

[0060] The present invention also includes improved versions of the high-voltage power switchgear and the method according to the present invention, the improved versions having features already described in conjunction with improved versions of the high-voltage circuit breaker according to the present invention. Therefore, the corresponding improvements to the high-voltage power switchgear and the method according to the present invention will not be described again here.

[0061] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the embodiments described.

[0062] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each constitute an independent feature of the invention, each feature also independently improves the invention, and therefore can be considered as part of the invention individually or in a manner different from the combinations shown. Furthermore, the embodiments can be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0063] In the accompanying drawings, elements with the same function are given the same reference numerals. Attached Figure Description

[0064] The following figures illustrate this:

[0065] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a high-voltage circuit breaker is shown, which is used, for example, in high-voltage power switchgear.

[0066] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the vacuum switch tube in a high-voltage circuit breaker;

[0067] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a sub-region of the mechanical mechanism of a high-voltage circuit breaker, used to transmit mechanical switching operations to achieve the switching of the electrical contacts of the vacuum switch tube; and

[0068] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Another detailed view of the mechanical mechanism, in which a spring accumulator is additionally provided for energy recovery. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of high-voltage circuit breaker 1 is shown.

[0070] For example, the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 and other corresponding high-voltage circuit breakers can be components of the high-voltage power switchgear 2. The high-voltage circuit breaker 1 may, for example, have multiple, particularly spaced-apart, high-voltage terminals 3 to 6. The high-voltage circuit breaker 1 may have multiple switching units and / or arc-extinguishing units to achieve electrical connection between at least two of the high-voltage terminals 3 to 6. For this purpose, the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 may be referred to as a switching device or switching unit, and may particularly have a vacuum switching tube.

[0071] The components, operating mode, and implementation method of the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 are described in the following figures.

[0072] Figure 2 An exemplary and particularly exemplary vacuum switch tube 7 is shown as an arc-extinguishing unit of a high-voltage circuit breaker 1. The vacuum switch tube 7 can be electrically connected to at least two high-voltage terminals 3 to 6 to establish or disconnect electrical connections.

[0073] The vacuum switch tube 7 can be configured to establish an electrical connection between at least two high-voltage terminals 3 to 6 according to the mechanical switching operation 8. For this purpose, the vacuum switch tube 7 can have switch contacts 10 movably arranged within the tube housing 9 of the vacuum switch tube 7. A vacuum can be present, in particular, within the tube housing 9. The movable, especially electrical, switch contacts 10 can be moved such that they establish electrical contact and connection with corresponding opposing mating contacts 11, or separate again. The mechanical switching operation 8 for switching the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 can be provided or generated by the drive unit 12.

[0074] For example, when the movable switch contact 10 is electrically in contact with the mating contact 11 via the switch operation 8, a contact clamping spring 13 can be provided to maintain or retain the switch state (here, for example, the closed state). This contact clamping spring can, in particular, maintain the closed state of the switch contact 10, which is occupied by the switch contact 10 after the switch operation 8 is transmitted to it.

[0075] Furthermore, the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 may have a switching rod 14, which extends into the housing 9 through a switching opening 16 at its first axial end 15 and is mechanically coupled to a movable switching contact 10. Additionally, the switching rod 14 is mechanically coupled to a contact compression spring 13 at its second end 17, which is axially opposite to the first end 15. Therefore, force transmission is possible using this mechanical switching rod.

[0076] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates a sub-area of ​​the mechanical mechanism of the high-voltage circuit breaker 1, relating to switching operations and, in particular, closing (connecting) and / or opening (disconnecting).

[0077] Here, for example, a closing spring 18 is shown as a mechanical spring. This closing spring 18 can be mechanically coupled directly or indirectly to the drive unit 12 and the switch contact 10. The closing spring 18 can be used to switch the vacuum switch tube 7. Here, the mechanical switching operation 8 can be transmitted to the switch contact 10 by means of the closing spring 18. The closing spring 18 can be tensioned, for example, in the basic state of the high-voltage circuit breaker, so that the tensioned energy is released accordingly, especially during the closing process, to perform the closing process accordingly. Furthermore, the closing spring 18 can optionally be mechanically coupled to the contact compression spring 13.

[0078] The closing spring 18 can be mechanically coupled to the tensioning shaft 19, and in particular the drive unit 12. The closing spring 18 can be tensioned by means of the tensioning shaft 19 or the mechanical tensioning unit. During the closing process, the tensioned closing spring 18 can be released, and the mechanical operation or force can be transmitted to the switch contact 10, for example, through the tensioning shaft 19 or other mechanical coupling device.

[0079] To enable the switch contact 10 to be brought into the open state (i.e., the disconnected state) and thus to be brought back into the closed state of the vacuum switch tube 7, a opening spring 20 can be provided. The opening spring 20 can be a mechanical spring or a spring element, and it can be tensioned by the closing spring 18. During closing or when the switch contact 10 is operated to establish an electrical connection, the opening spring 20 can be re-tensioned by the operated, and in particular, released, closing spring 18. Thus, in one process, in addition to releasing or transmitting the tension energy of the closing spring 18, the switch contact 10 is closed, and simultaneously, the opening spring 20 can be tensioned for subsequent disconnection.

[0080] The opening spring 20 can be mechanically coupled to the switch shaft 21, particularly the drive unit 12. The switch shaft 21, i.e., the mechanical shaft, can be configured to transmit the operation of the closing spring 18 to the opening spring 20 to tension it. For this purpose, for example, the tensioning shaft 19 can be mechanically coupled to the switch shaft 21 via a mechanical coupling element 22. Thus, on the one hand, a corresponding force can be transmitted through the operated closing spring 18 to transmit the mechanical switching operation 8 to the switch contact 10. During this mechanical process, the opening spring 20 can be tensioned simultaneously.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the operated closing spring 18, in addition to the opening spring 20, the contact clamping spring 13 can also be tensioned. Thus, during the closing process, the contact clamping spring 13, the opening spring 20, and the switch contact 10 can be operated based on the closing spring 18. In particular, the opening spring and the contact clamping spring can be tensioned simultaneously or synchronously, at least partially, based on the closing spring 18. The corresponding force transmission or switching operation transmission with respect to the closing spring 18 can be achieved, for example, through a link 23 or linkage mechanism between the closing spring 18 and the tensioning shaft 19. This link 23 can be a mechanical element. Similarly, the opening spring 20 and the switch shaft 21 are also connected to a link 24 or a mechanical linkage mechanism or mechanical connecting element, especially for force transmission or motion transmission.

[0082] In addition, the switch shaft 21 can transmit the mechanical switch operation 8 to the switch contact 10 again via the connecting rod 25.

[0083] The high-voltage circuit breaker 1 according to the invention enables the closing process to be performed at a highly efficient closing speed, which is particularly not too slow. This prevents the arc of the pre-discharge spark from burning for an excessively long time. Furthermore, this also applies to the high-voltage circuit breaker 1. In particular, the movement of the switch contact 10 toward the mating contact 11 in such a manner prevents damage or mechanical overload to the contacts 10 and 11. This particularly prevents damage to the switch contact 10 or the shedding of particles. According to the invention, for this purpose, the corresponding speed or movement process is reduced or braked shortly before the moving contact 10 contacts the mating contact 11. To achieve this, the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 has a spring energy storage device as an additional component.

[0084] In the following Figure 4 The working principle of the spring energy storage device of high voltage circuit breaker 1 is explained.

[0085] The spring accumulator 26 is specifically configured to store tension energy via the spring 27, and the spring accumulator can be mechanically coupled to the drive unit 12, for example. In particular, the spring accumulator 26 is mechanically coupled to the tension shaft 19.

[0086] The spring accumulator 26 is specifically configured to store energy, particularly tension energy, just before the closing state of the switch contact 10 is reached. For this purpose, energy is partially output by the mechanical switch operation 8 and temporarily stored by means of the spring accumulator 26. In other words, energy is diverted from the relevant operating or contact process by the tension spring accumulator 26 just before the contacts 10 and 11 are about to contact. This causes the contacts 10 and 11 to move relative to each other at a slower pace, thereby preventing mechanical load or damage. The energy stored in the spring accumulator 26, i.e., the tension energy, can also be used to at least partially tension the contact spring. This achieves energy recovery, in which a portion of the energy diverted or extracted from the operation of the switch contacts is subsequently used to tension or further tension the contact spring 13. Thus, energy is temporarily stored so that it can be subsequently transferred to the contact spring 13 again. In other words, by means of the spring energy storage device 26, the mechanical load on the switch contact 10 can be reduced because energy is extracted from the contact process, and the extracted energy is advantageously used to tension the contact pressure spring 13, thereby helping to maintain the closed state.

[0087] The spring accumulator 26 can be mechanically coupled to at least one cam 29 of the tensioning shaft 19 by means of a lever element 28 or a linkage mechanism. Thus, for example, when the tensioning shaft 19 is operated or moved by means of the closing spring 18 and thus transmits the switching operation 8 to the switch contact 10, a certain amount of energy can be diverted to tension the spring 27 of the spring accumulator 26. For this purpose, the spring accumulator 26 is mechanically coupled to the cam 29 in such a way that the spring 27 can be at least partially tensioned just before the closing state of the switch contact 10 is reached. Specifically, the spring 27 can be at least partially tensioned by the first side 30 of the cam 29 just before contact is reached between the contacts 10 and 11. This achieves braking or deceleration of the movement of the switch contact 10 toward the mating contact 11. For example, after the cam 29 reaches its maximum stroke, i.e., at the moment of electrical contact between the contacts 10 and 11, the spring 27 correspondingly drives the tensioning shaft 19 again to release the energy stored in the spring 27 again, thereby tensioning the contact pressure spring 13. Therefore, the spring accumulator 26 can release the stored tension energy back into the system through the second side 31 of the cam 29.

[0088] The tensioning shaft 19 can be driven in the direction of motion 32 when transmitting energy through the first side 30. Here, the cam 29 can perform a stroke motion 33, that is, an upward stroke motion, to tension the spring 27.

[0089] In particular, with the high-voltage circuit breaker 1 according to the invention, the energy stored in the spring 27 for braking just before the contacts 10, 11 are about to contact can then be released back into the system and used to tension the contact compression spring 13. Thus, compared with the prior art using a flywheel, the moment of inertia of the tensioning shaft 19 can be reduced, thereby enabling the closing process to proceed more quickly.

Claims

1. A high-voltage circuit breaker (1), said high-voltage circuit breaker having: - At least two high-voltage terminals (3 to 6) spaced apart from each other, and - A vacuum switch tube (7) electrically connected to the two high-voltage terminals (3 to 6), the vacuum switch tube being configured to establish an electrical connection between the two high-voltage terminals (3 to 6) according to the mechanical switching operation (8) of the drive unit (12), for which the vacuum switch tube (7) has a switch contact (10) movably arranged in the tube housing (9) of the vacuum switch tube (7). Its features are, have: - A closing spring (15), which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit (12) and the switch contact (10) and is configured to transmit the mechanical switching operation (8) of the drive unit (12) to the switch contact (10). - A contact compression spring (13), which is mechanically coupled to the closing spring (18) and configured to maintain the closed state of the switch contact (10) after the switch operation (8) is transmitted to the switch contact (10), wherein the switch contact (10) is in the closed state. - A spring energy storage device (26), mechanically coupled to the drive unit (12), and configured to be at least partially tensioned by the drive unit (12) before the switch contact (10) is about to be in the closed state, thereby storing tension energy, wherein, - The spring energy storage device (26) is configured to transfer at least part of the stored tension energy to the contact compression spring (13) when the switch contact (10) is in the closed state, so as to help maintain the closed state through the contact compression spring (13).

2. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a switch rod (14) that extends into the tube housing (9) through a switch opening (16) at a first axial end (15) and is mechanically coupled to a movable switch contact (10), and the switch rod is mechanically coupled to the contact compression spring (10) at a second end (17) that is axially opposite to the first end (15).

3. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a tripping spring (20) by means of which the switch contact (10) can be switched from the closed state to the open state, and wherein the tripping spring (20) can be tensioned by the closing spring (18) during the process of transmitting the switch operation to the switch contact (10).

4. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening spring (20) is mechanically coupled to the switch shaft (21) of the drive unit (12), wherein the switch shaft (21) is configured to transmit the operation of the closing spring (18) to the opening spring (20) for tensioning the opening spring (20).

5. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The closing spring (18) is mechanically coupled to the tensioning shaft (19) of the drive unit (12), wherein the tensioning shaft (19) is configured to tension the closing spring (18).

6. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tensioning shaft (19) has at least one cam (29), wherein the spring accumulator (26) is mechanically coupled to the cam (29) via a lever element (28).

7. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spring accumulator (26) is mechanically coupled to the cam (29), so that the spring (27) of the spring accumulator (26) can be tensioned before the switch contact (10) is about to be closed.

8. The high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spring accumulator (26) is mechanically coupled to the cam (29), so that when the switch contact (10) is in the closed state, the tensioned spring (27) of the spring accumulator (26) can be operated, thereby driving the tensioning shaft (19) through the cam (29) to press the spring (13) with the tensioning contact.

9. A high-voltage power switchgear (2), wherein the high-voltage power switchgear has a high-voltage circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for operating a high-voltage circuit breaker (1), the high-voltage circuit breaker having at least two high-voltage terminals (3 to 6) arranged spaced apart from each other, and the high-voltage circuit breaker (1) having a vacuum switch tube (7) electrically connected to the two high-voltage terminals (3 to 6), the vacuum switch tube being configured to establish an electrical connection between the two high-voltage terminals (3 to 6) according to a mechanical switching operation (8) of a drive unit (12), for which the vacuum switch tube (7) has a switch contact (10) movably arranged in a tube housing (9) of the vacuum switch tube (7), characterized in that, - The closing spring (18) mechanically coupled to the switch contact (10) is operated by the drive unit (12), thereby transmitting the mechanical switching operation (8) of the drive unit (12) to the switch contact (10). - The closing spring (18) tensions the contact spring (13) according to the mechanical switch operation (8). - The closed state of the switch contact (10) is maintained by the contact compression spring (13). After the switch operation (8) is transmitted to the switch contact (10), the switch contact (10) is in the closed state. - Just before the switch contact (10) is closed, the spring accumulator (26) is at least partially tensioned, thereby storing tension energy in the spring accumulator (26), and - When the switch contact (10) is in the closed state, the spring accumulator (26) transfers at least part of the stored tension energy to the contact compression spring (13), thereby assisting the contact compression spring (13) in maintaining the closed state of the switch contact (10).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The opening spring (20), which can switch the switch contact (10) from the closed state to the open state, is tensioned according to the closed spring (18) being operated.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, According to the operated closing spring (18), the opening spring (20) and the contact pressing spring (13) are simultaneously tensioned.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, By at least partially tensioning the spring accumulator (26) before the switch contact (10) is about to be in the closed state, the movement of the switch contact (10) toward the immovable mating contact (11) opposite to the switch contact is partially slowed.

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